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2018 fantasy football forecast: Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Stefon Diggs is an interesting prospect for fantasy football owners and the Minnesota Vikings receiver has the potential to be drafted at almost any time.

When it comes time for your fantasy football draft this year, two names who have the potential to be selected just about anywhere are Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

The two pass catchers have a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator for the 2018 season, and the duo typically split a majority of the passes since they are both reliable targets for their quarterbacks over the years.

The question of where the two pass catchers should be drafted in fantasy football, and in which order, are highly debatable and should be interesting to watch on the day of your drafts.

First, let’s take a look at how Stefon Diggs has performed during the last two seasons in terms of standard scoring fantasy football leagues according to FantasyData.com:

  • 2016: 84 catches for 903 yards and 3 touchdowns – 109.3 points
  • 2017: 64 catches for 849 yards and 8 touchdowns – 134.2 points

The difference between the last two seasons is quite different, with Diggs being perhaps a better target for a standard scoring league instead of PPR, where Thielen might be the better alternative for team managers.

A 25 point swing from one year to the next is quite significant and should be something managers should be paying attention to, but not enough to scare them away from using a pick on Diggs.

Now, let’s see where some of the top sites have Stefon Diggs ranked among similar players at his position.

  • ESPN: 228.1 PPR points – approximately 145.9 standard (16th)
  • Fantasy Pros: 141.9 points (14th)
  • NFL.com: 136.17 points (18th)
  • FF Today: 123.3 points (26th)

Again, there is a pretty wide range as far as projections and ranks, much like we saw with Kyle Rudolph. However, it seems as though there is enough analysis to believe that Diggs will score about the same or a little more this season in fantasy leagues.

Related Story: Fantasy football forecast for TE Kyle Rudolph

Diggs comes in at number 37 on the ESPN Top 200 non-PPR rankings, meaning that in a 12 man league, he’s expected to be selected early in the 4th round of 12 man leagues, with managers who really want him likely looking at the late 3rd round.

Using a third-round pick on a receiver with a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator is kind of scary when there are more consistent and established players on the board. Personally, I would recommend that owners stick to the fourth round or later when looking at Diggs although it wouldn’t be shocking to see him go in the third round.

As far as a projection, TVA predicts that Stefon Diggs will get fantasy owners approximately 141 points and would be a smart pick in the fourth round or later. Many owners won’t be scared off by the new quarterback or coordinator, so he should be gone in round 5.

Next: 15 best Vikings first round picks of all time

Where would you select Stefon Diggs during your fantasy football draft? And do you think our projection for the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver is high, low, or just about right? Let us know in the comments section below.

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